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What movie and television projects has Siraj Hayder been in?
Siraj Hayder has: Played College Principal in "E Jibon Tomar Amar" in 1997. Played Minister in "Moner Mahje Tumi" in 2002. Played Politician in "Bhalobasha Karey Koy" in 2002. Played Abul in "Haajar Bachhar Dhorey" in 2005. Played Doctor in "Ekjon Songe Chhilo" in 2007. Performed in "Tumi Amar Swami" in 2009. Performed in "Chander Moto Bou" in 2009.
What movie and television projects has Shahidul Alam Sachchu been in?
Shahidul Alam Sachchu has: Played Ram Lochon in "Shasti" in 2004. Performed in "Megher Pore Megh" in 2004. Performed in "Haajar Bachhar Dhorey" in 2005. Played Zindar in "Taka" in 2005. Performed in "Duratta" in 2006. Performed in "Nirontor" in 2006. Played Ashraf Ali Pathan (Zamindar) in "Bidrohi Padma" in 2006. Performed in "Britter Bairey" in 2009. Played Niaz Sharafat in "Bahattor Ghonta" in 2011. Performed in "Madhumati" in 2011. Performed in "Lal Tip" in 2012.
What movie and television projects has Riaz been in?
Riaz has: Played Munna in "Banglar Nayok" in 1995. Played Ashik Mirza in "Ajante" in 1996. Played Prithibi in "E Jibon Tomar Amar" in 1997. Played Surja in "Bhoungkar Bishu" in 1999. Played Sagar in "Biyer Phul" in 1999. Played Jibon in "Tomar Jonno Pagol" in 1999. Played Sagar in "Kajer Meye" in 1999. Played Rohossho Manob in "Dui Duari" in 2000. Played Apon in "Nishwase Tumi Biswase Tumi" in 2001. Played Raju in "Eri Naam Dosti: Ties Never Die" in 2001. Played Parosh in "Milon Hobe Koto Dine" in 2001. Played Rasha in "Kothin Bastob" in 2001. Played Raj in "Mone Pore Tomake" in 2001. Played Biplob in "Mayer Samman" in 2001. Played Robyn Chowdhury in "Premer Taj Mahal" in 2002. Played Shuvo in "Bhalobasha Karey Koy" in 2002. Played Benu in "Moner Mahje Tumi" in 2002. Played Badhan in "Shwashurbari Zindabad" in 2002. Played Mati in "Matir Phul" in 2003. Played Farhad Khan in "Jamai Shashur" in 2003. Played Chidam Rui in "Shasti" in 2004. Played Maulana in "Shyamol Chhaya" in 2004. Played Akash in "Badha" in 2005. Played Raj in "Prem Korechi Besh Korechi" in 2005. Played Montu in "Haajar Bachhar Dhorey" in 2005. Played Omir in "Moner Modhye Akash" in 2005. Played Jowan Gazi in "Molla Babrir Bou" in 2005. Played Shanto in "Taka" in 2005. Played Antor in "Na Bolona" in 2006. Played Yakub in "Khelaghor" in 2006. Played Raju (Gayen) in "Bidrohi Padma" in 2006. Played Anik in "Hridoyer Kotha" in 2006. Played Himself - Host in "Meril-Prothom Alo Awards" in 2007. Played Shuvro in "Daruchini Dip" in 2007. Played Bakul in "Bakul Phuler Mala" in 2007. Played Monsur in "Ekjon Songe Chhilo" in 2007. Played Sagar in "Ki Jadu Korila" in 2008. Played Akash in "Akash Chhoa Bhalobasa" in 2008. Played Udoy in "Megher Koley Rod" in 2008. Played Bachchu in "Mem Saheb" in 2008. Played Noyan in "Tumi Kato Sundor" in 2008. Played Akash in "Mon Chuyeche Mon" in 2009. Played Akash in "Mon Boshena Porar Tebile" in 2009. Played Sagar Chowdhury in "Chander Moto Bou" in 2009. Played Khoka in "Ebadat" in 2009. Played Kashu in "Chandra Grohon" in 2009. Played Rawnak Chowdhury in "Tumi Amar Swami" in 2009. Played Arman in "Shubho Bibaho" in 2009. Played Sohrab in "Chicken Tikka Masala" in 2010. Played Himself - Host in "Nirman-er Taraka" in 2010. Played Rajib Kabir in "Bajaw Biyer Bajna" in 2010. Played Badal in "Kusum Kusum Prem" in 2011. Played Anu in "Madhumati" in 2011. Played Farhad in "Shiri Farhad" in 2013.
Is Mecca where Islamic religion started?
It is the home of our beloved prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and it is the place where Islam came into being. Mecca is the holiest city in Islam. The holiest mosque is in Mecca and millions of Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca every year to perform the pilgrimage which is one of the 5 basic pillars of Islam.Another Perspective:Also, Makkah (Mecca) was established by the prophet, Ibrahim (Abraham).Another Way to Look At It:Mecca is the place where Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born. Going to Mecca frees a Muslim from all previous sins if he completes it perfectly with intentions that are accepted by God. It is a wonderful place where many are cured from diseases and people can come to understand the true meaning of Islam.More Information:Islamic tradition has it that at least 2000 years BCE., the prophet Ibrahim, the first monotheist (Abraham, for Judaic and Christian groups) and his family, Haajar (wife) and Ishmael (son), traveled to this place. While there, Ibrahim left Haajar and Ishmael here, trusting God to care for them. God gave Haajar and Ishmael a spring (now the well of Zamzam), which made Makkah a habitable place. and travelers began to come to the water there. Ibrahim is considered the founder of Makkah (Mecca), and is credited with the building, at the command of God, of the first Kaaba (house of God). This is also the place or near the place, some believe, where Ibrahim prepared his son for sacrifice under the command of God, who then relented. The great Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born in this place, as well. The pilgrimage to Mecca, from which many great blessings flow, is most importantly, a commemoration of Ibrahim and his family (for their great faith in, and obedience to, God).
What religion practiced Muhammad before the Islam?
Muhammad peace be upon him was Hnivia at the time of pre-Islamic, he was worshiped God through the faith of Abraham peace be upon him and refuses to worship idols and pagan practices, but if you asked about the religion of Abraham peace be upon him he was as follows:Ibraaheem (peace be upon him)Could you give us some information about the Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him)?Praise be to Allaah.Allaah sent His Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book (cf. al-'Ankaboot 29:27)."And mention in the Book (the Qur'aan) Ibraaheem (Abraham). Verily, he was a man of truth, a Prophet [Maryam 19:41 - interpretation of the meaning]Allaah guided Ibraaheem and honoured him with virtues and praiseworthy characteristics:"Verily, Ibraaheem (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allaah, Haneef (i.e. to worship none but Allaah), and he was not one of those who were Al-Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and those who joined partners with Allaah).(He was) thankful for His (Allaah's) Favours. He (Allaah) chose him (as an intimate friend) and guided him to a Straight Path (Islamic Monotheism - neither Judaism nor Christianity).And We gave him good in this world, and in the Hereafter he shall be of the righteous"[al-Nahl 16:120-122 - interpretation of the meaning]Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) was the father of the Prophets; no Prophet was sent after him but he was from among his descendents. He had two sons whom Allaah chose to be Prophets. They were Ismaa'eel the grandfather of the Arabs, from among whose descendents Allaah sent the Prophet Muhammad SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and Ishaaq whom Allaah blessed with a Prophet called Ya'qoob, who was also known as Israa'eel, after whom Bani Israa'eel (the Children of Israel) and their Prophets were called.The Qur'aan refers to the fact that Ibraaheem was the father of the Prophets, when it says concerning Ibraaheem (interpretation of the meaning):"And We bestowed upon him Ishaaq (Isaac) and Ya'qoob (Jacob), each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nooh (Noah), and among his progeny Dawood (David), Sulaymaan (Solomon), Ayyoob (Job), Yoosuf (Joseph), Moosa (Moses), and Haaroon (Aaron). Thus do We reward Al-Muhsinoon (the good-doers).And Zakariyya (Zachariya), and Yahya (John) and 'Eesa (Jesus) and Ilyaas (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous.And Isma'eel (Ishmael) and Al-Yasaa' (Elisha), and Yoonus (Jonah) and Loot (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the 'Aalameen [mankind and jinn (of their times)]"[al-An'aam 6:84-86]Ibraaheem called his people in Mesopotamia to worship Allaah alone and to stop worshipping the idols which could neither bring benefit nor cause harm. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):"And (remember) Ibraaheem (Abraham) when he said to his people: 'Worship Allaah (Alone), and fear Him: that is better for you if you did but know.You worship besides Allaah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allaah have no power to give you provision, so seek your provision from Allaah (Alone), and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back'"[al-'Ankaboot 29:16-17]Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) wanted to free his people from idol-worship and rid them of myths and legends. He asked his people about these idols, as Allaah tells us (interpretation of the meaning):"And recite to them the story of Ibraaheem (Abraham).When he said to his father and his people: 'What do you worship?'They said: 'We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted.'He said: 'Do they hear you, when you call on (them)?Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?'They said: '(Nay) but we found our fathers doing so'"[al-Shu'araa' 26:69-74]Then he explained to them that they should not mindlessly follow others like dumb animals and clarified for them the ultimate reality which is that they should worship Allaah alone, in Whose hand is the dominion of all things:"He said: 'Do you observe that which you have been worshippingYou and your ancient fathers?Verily, they are enemies to me, save the Lord of the 'Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists),Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me.And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink.And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me.And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again).And Who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense (the Day of Resurrection)'"[al-Shu'araa' 26:75-82]The father of Ibraaheem was one of the idol-worshippers. He used to carve them and sell them. His father's kufr troubled Ibraaheem, so he singled him out for advice and said to him:"O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?O my father! Verily, there has come to me of the knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide you to the Straight Path"[Maryam 19:42-43 - interpretation of the meaning]But his father did not respond to him, rather he threatened to stone him and forsake him. He said:"Do you reject my gods, O Ibraaheem (Abraham)? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely (before I punish you)"[Maryam 19:46 - interpretation of the meaning]So Ibraaheem had no choice but to leave him, and he said to him:"Peace be on you! I will ask forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily, He is unto me Ever Most Gracious[Maryam 19:47 - interpretation of the meaning]Ibraaheem continued to ask for forgiveness for his father and to ask his Lord to guide him, but when it became clear to him that he (his father) was an enemy of Allaah, he disavowed him and stopped asking for forgiveness for him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):"And Ibraaheem's (Abraham) invoking (of Allaah) for his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise he [Ibraaheem (Abraham)] had made to him (his father). But when it became clear to him that he (his father) is an enemy of Allaah, he dissociated himself from him. Verily, Ibraaheem was Awwah (one who invokes Allaah with humility, glorifies Him and remembers Him much) and was forbearing[al-Tawbah 9:114]When the people of Ibraaheem persisted in worshipping idols, Ibraaheem wanted to prove to them in practical terms that these idols could not cause harm or bring benefit, after his preaching and teaching had had no effect on his people:"Then he cast a glance at the stars,And he said: 'Verily, I am sick (with plague). [He did this trick to remain in their temple of idols to destroy them and not to accompany them to the pagan feast)].'So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease).Then he turned to their aalihah (gods) and said: 'Will you not eat (of the offering before you)?What is the matter with you that you speak not?'Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand"[al-Saaffaaat :88:93]Ibraaheem broke all the idols except the biggest one, which he left so that they could ask it who had done this:"So he broke them to pieces, (all) except the biggest of them, that they might turn to it"[al-Anbiyaa' 21:58 - interpretation of the meaning]When they came back from the festival for which they had gone out, they saw the broken idols and they accused Ibraaheem (of breaking them). He said to them:"Nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it. Ask them, if they can speak!"[al-Anbiyaa' 21:63 - interpretation of the meaning]Because they knew that these idols could not speak - for they were inanimate objects - they said to Ibraaheem:"Indeed you [Ibraaheem (Abraham)] know well that these (idols) speak not!"[al-Anbiyaa' 21:65 - interpretation of the meaning]When they admitted that these idols could do nothing, Ibraaheem said to them:"Do you then worship besides Allaah, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you?Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allaah! Have you then no sense?"[al-Anbiyaa' 21:67 - interpretation of the meaning]When they had exhausted all lines of argument, they resorted to the use of force and said:"Burn him and help your aalihah (gods), if you will be doing"[al-Anbiyaa' 21:68 - interpretation of the meaning]They gathered a lot of wood and started a fire which had great sparks and flames, then they threw Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) into that fire. He said, "Hasbi Allaah WA ni'am al-wakeel (Allaah is sufficient for me and He is the best Disposer of affairs)." So Allaah saved him from it and made it coolness and safety for him, and foiled the plot of his enemies:"We (Allaah) said: 'O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibraaheem (Abraham)!'And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers"[al-Anbiyaa' 21:69-70 - interpretation of the meaning]After saving Ibraaheem from the fire, Allaah commanded him to leave Mesopotamia and migrate to the Holy Land in Palestine. He married his cousin (the daughter of his paternal uncle) - Saarah - and set out with her and his brother's son Loot for Syria, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):"And We rescued him and Loot (Lot) to the land which We have blessed for the 'Aalameen (mankind and jinn)[al-Anbiyaa' 21:71]Then great hardship befell the land of Syria, so Ibraaheem moved to Egypt with his wife, then he came back to Palestine, bringing his wife and a slave woman of hers called Haajar. Ibraaheem longed to have children, but his wife was barren and had grown old. When she saw how much her husband longed to have a child, she gave her slave woman, Haajar, to him. So he married her and was blessed with his son Ismaa'eel from her:"'My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.'So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy"[al-Saaffaat 37:100-101 - interpretation of the meaning]After Haajar gave birth to Ismaa'eel, Saarah began to feel jealous, so she asked Ibraaheem to send them away from her. Allaah revealed to Ibraaheem that he should take Haajar and the infant Ismaa'eel and take them to Makkah. So he took them and left Haajar and her child Ismaa'eel in an bleak, isolated place in which there was no water, then he left them and went back to Palestine. Haajar said to him, "For whom are you leaving us in this forsaken valley?" But Ibraaheem went and left her, and she said, "Has Allaah commanded you to do this?" He said, "Yes." She said, "Then Allaah will not cause us to be lost."Ibraaheem submitted to the command of his Lord and patiently bore the separation from his wife and child. Then he turned towards where they were at the Sacred House and prayed for them in the following words (interpretation of the meaning):"O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in an uncultivable valley by Your Sacred House (the Ka'bah at Makkah) in order, O our Lord, that they may perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah). So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and (O Allaah) provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks"[Ibraaheem 14:37]Haajar stayed in Makkah, eating the food and drinking the water that Ibraaheem had left for her and her son. When that ran out, she and her son became thirsty. She looked for water, and climbed the hill of al-Safaa but she did not see anything. Then she climbed the hill of al-Marwah but she did not see anything. She did that seven times, then she turned towards Ismaa'eel and saw water gushing from beneath his feet. She rejoiced and drank some, and gave some to her son to drink. Then a tribe - Jurham - came to Haajar and asked her permission to settle by the water. She gave them permission and they settled beside her. When Ismaa'eel grew up, he married one of their women and learned Arabic from them.During this period, Ibraaheem used to visit his son from time to time. On one of these visits, Ibraaheem saw in a dream that Allaah was commanding him to sacrifice his son Ismaa'eel. The dreams of the Prophets are true, so Ibraaheem resolved to obey the command of Allaah, even though he was old and Ismaa'eel was his only son. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):"So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: 'O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allaah). So look what you think!' He said: 'O my father! Do that which you are commanded, In sha' Allaah (if Allaah wills), you shall find me of As-Saabiroon (the patient).'Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allaah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering);We called out to him: 'O Ibraaheem!You have fulfilled the dream!' Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinoon (good-doers).Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram)"[al-Saffaat 37:101-107]Then Allaah gave him the glad tidings of another son, who was Ishaaq, and then Ibraaheem returned to Palestine:"And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaaq (Isaac) a Prophet from the righteous[al-Saaffaat 37:112 - interpretation of the meaning]Ishaaq was born to him from his wife Saarah:"And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed [either, because the messengers did not eat their food or for being glad for the destruction of the people of Loot (Lot)]. But We gave her glad tidings of Ishaaq (Isaac), and after Ishaaq, of Ya'qoob (Jacob)"[Hood 11:71 - interpretation of the meaning]Then Ibraaheem stayed in Palestine for a while, then he returned to Makkah for an important reason. Allaah had commanded him to build in Makkah the first House to be built for the worship of Allaah. So Ibraaheem undertook this task of construction, and his son Ismaa'eel was lifting up the stones to him. When the walls grew higher, Ibraaheem stood on a rock, and this is the Station of Ibraaheem (Maqaam Ibraaheem) which is to be found in the vicinity of the Ka'bah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):"And (remember) when Ibraaheem (Abraham) and (his son) Ismee'eel (Ishmael) were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), (saying), 'Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower'"[al-Baqarah 2:127]Allaah commanded Ibraaheem and Ismaa'eel to cleanse the House of idols and other impurities so that it would be pure for those who would circumambulate it and stand and bow and prostrate (in prayer). When Ibraaheem built the House, Allaah commanded him to call mankind to perform the Hajj, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):"And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj)"[al-Hajj 22:27]Then Ibraaheem offered this great supplication for Makkah and for those who live in it:"And (remember) when Ibraaheem (Abraham) said, 'My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allaah and the Last Day.' He (Allaah) answered: 'As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!'"[al-Baqarah 2:126 - interpretation of the meaning]Then he prayed for himself and his descendents, saying:"Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manaasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage - Hajj and 'Umrah), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful"[al-Baqarah 2:127-128 - interpretation of the meaning]Then he prayed for the people of the sanctuary, that Allaah would send to them a Messenger from amongst them, who would call them to worship Allaah Alone. He said:"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur'aan) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islamic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood), and purify them. Verily, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise"[al-Baqarah 1:129 - interpretation of the meaning]Allaah responded to the prayer of His Prophet Ibraaheem. He made Makkah a place of security, He blessed its people with fruits and sent to them a Messenger from amongst themselves, who was the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). All praise and thanks be to Allaah.After Ibraaheem, Prophethood remained with the Children of Israel for a long time, until Allaah sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) from among the descendents of Ismaa'eel as a Messenger to all of mankind, and commanded him as He said (interpretation of the meaning):"Say (O Muhammad): 'O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allaah…'"[al-A'raaf 7:158]Allaah commanded Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to follow the religion of Ibraaheem, as He said (interpretation of the meaning):"Then, We have sent the Revelation to you (O Muhammad saying): 'Follow the religion of Ibraaheem (Abraham) Haneef (Islamic Monotheism - to worship none but Allaah) and he was not of the Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers)"[al-Nahl 16:123]Ibraaheem's advice to his children was to adhere to the religion of Islam and follow its commands until they died. Allaah said (interpretation of the meaning):"And this (submission to Allaah, Islam) was enjoined by Ibraaheem (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya'qoob (Jacob) (saying), 'O my sons! Allaah has chosen for you the (true) religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam (as Muslims - Islamic Monotheism)'" [al-Baqarah 2:132]O Allaah, send blessings upon Ibraaheem and upon the family of Ibraaheem, for You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.Other Prophets who were alive at the time of Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) were Loot, Ismaa'eel, Ishaaq, and Ya'qoob. Then came Yoosuf, then Shu'ayb, then Ayyoob, then Dhu'l-Kifl. Then Allaah sent Moosa and Haaroon (peace be upon them and may the best of blessings and peace be upon all the Prophets).From Usool al-Deen al-Islami by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri.http://islamqa.com/en/ref/13043
Why is Hajj impotant to Muslims?
Praise be to Allaah. We ask Allaah to bless those who perform Hajj with forgiveness of sins, and for those who have not done Hajj we ask Him to grant them what they hope for and save them from that which they fear. The aims and purposes of Hajj and great and sublime. There follows an outline of some of them: 1 - A sense of connection with the Prophets (peace be upon them) from our father Ibraaheem who built the House, to our Prophet Muhammad the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his respect for the sanctity of Makkah. When the pilgrim visits the sacred places and performs the rituals, he remembers the visist of those pure Prophets to this sacred place. Muslim (241) narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas said: We traveled with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) between Makkah and Madeenah, and we passed by a valley. He said, "What valley is this?" They said, "The valley of al-Azraq." He said, "It is as if I can see Moosa the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) putting his fingers in his ears beseeching Allaah, reciting the Talbiyah and passing through this valley." Then we traveled on until we came to a mountain pass. He said, "What mountain pass is this?" They said, "Harsha or Lift." He said, "It is as if I can see Yoonus on a red camel, wearing a woollen cloak, the reins of his camel made from fibres of date-palm, passing through this valley reciting the Talbiyah." 2 - The whiteness and cleanness of the pilgrims' clothes is a sign of inward purity, cleanness of heart and the purity of the message and the method. This means putting aside all adornment and showing humity, and it is a reminder of death when the deceased is shrouded in similar cloths. So it is as if he is preparing to meet Allaah. 3 - Entering ihraam from the meeqaat is a physical expression of worship and enslavement to Allaah, and of submission to His commands and laws. No one passes it (without entering ihraam) because it is a command from Allaah and a law that He has prescribed. This confirms the unity of the ummah and its following one system with nod differentiation or exemptions with regard to the definition of the meeqaats. 4 - Hajj is the symbol of Tawheed from the first moment the pilgrim enters ihraam. Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allaah said, describing the Hajj of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Then he started to say the words of Tawheed, '"Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd WA'l-ni'mata laka WA'l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner).'" Narrated by Muslim, 2137; see question no. 21617 5 - It is a reminder of the Hereafter when all the people come together in one place in 'Arafah and elsewhere, with no differentiation between them. All of them are equal in this place and no one is better than anyone else. 6 - Hajj is a symbol of unity, because Hajj makes all people the same in their clothing, deeds, rituals, qiblah and the places they visit. So no one is better than anyone else, king or slave, rich or poor, are all the same. So the people are equal in terms of rights and duties. They are equal in this sacred place, and differences in colour and nationality do not matter; no one has the right to differentiate between them. Unity of feelings, unity of rituals. Unity in purpose, unity in action. Unity in words. "People come from Adam, and Adam came from dust. No Arab is superior to a non-Arab and no white man is superior to a black man, except in terms of piety (taqwa)." More than two million Muslims all standing in one place, wearing the same clothes, sharing one aim, with one slogan, calling upon one Lord and following one Prophet… what unity can be greater than this? Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily, those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the path of Allaah, and from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haraam (at Makkah) which We have made (open) to (all) men, the dweller in it and the visitor from the country are equal there [as regards its sanctity and pilgrimage (Hajj and 'Umrah)] - and whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practise polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), him We shall cause to taste from a painful torment" [al-Hajj 22:25] 7 - It trains him to be content with modest clothing and accommodation, when he wears two pieces of cloth and it is sufficient for him, and his accommodation gives him just enough room to sleep. 8 - Terrifying the kaafirs and followers of misguidance with this huge gathering of Muslims. Even though they are scattered and different, the simple fact that they come together despite those differences at a certain time and in a certain place is indicative of their potential to unite at other times and in other places. 9 - Pointing out the importance of Muslims coming together and establishing harmony. For we see usually each person travelling on his own, whereas in Hajj we see people coming in groups. 10 - Getting to know the situation of the Muslims from trustworthy sources, since the Muslim can hear directly from his brother about the situation of his Muslim brothers in the land from which he has come. 11 -Exchanging benefits and experience among the Muslims in general. 12 - Meeting scholars and decision makers from all countries and studying the situation and needs of the Muslims, and the importance of cooperating with them. 13 - Achieving true submission to Allaah by standing in the holy places when the pilgrim leaves al-Masjid al-Haraam which is the best of spots, and standing in 'Arafah. 14 - Forgiveness of sins, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever does Hajj and does not speak any obscene words or commit any sin will go back cleansed of sin as on the day his mother bore him." 15 - Opening the doors of hope to those who commit sin, and teaching them to give up their sin in these holy places, so that they will give up a lot of their bad habits during the period of Hajj and its rituals. 16 - Proclaiming that Islam is the religion of organization, because during Hajj the rituals and time are organized, with every action done in the place and at the time defined for it. 17 - Training oneself to spend in charitable ways and to avoid miserliness. The pilgrim spends a great deal of money for the sake of Hajj, on travel expenses, on the road and in the sacred places. 18 - Increasing piety and making the heart fit to honour the Symbols of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allaah, then it is truly, from the piety of the hearts" [al-Hajj 22:32] 19 - Training the rich to give up their distinct clothing and accommodation and making them equal with the poor in clothing and in the rituals of tawaaf, saa'i and stoning the jamaraat. This teaches them to be humble and to realise the insignificance of this worldly life. 20 - The pilgrim persists in worshipping and remembering Allaah during the days of Hajj, moving from one sacred place to the next, from one action to another. This is a kind of intensive training in worship and remembrance of Allaah. 21 - Training oneself to be kind to people - so the pilgrim guides those who are lost, teaches those who are ignorant, helps the poor, and supports the disabled and weak. 22 - Developing good characteristics such as forbearance and putting up with annoyance from people, because the pilgrim will inevitably be exposed to crowding and arguments, etc. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj." [al-Baqarah 2:197] 23 - Training oneself to be patient and to put up with difficulties such as heat, long distances, being apart from one's family, going back and forth between the holy sites and crowded conditions therein. 24 - Learning to give up one's usual habits and the things that one is comfortable with, because the pilgrim has to uncover his head and give up his regular clothes, and leave behind the accommodation, food and drink that he is used to. 25 - When the pilgrim does saa'i between al-Safa and al-Marwah, he remembers that the one who obeys Allaah and puts his trust in Him and turns to Him, He will not let him down, rather He will raise high the esteem in which he is held. When Haajar the mother of Ismaa'eel (peace be upon them both) said to Ibraaheem, "Has Allaah commanded you to do this?" he said, "Yes." She said, "Then He will not let us down." So Allaah raised high the esteem in which she was held and the people, including the Prophets, started to run between the two hills as she had done. 26 - Teaching oneself not to despair of the mercy of Allaah, no matter how great one's worries and distress. For the way out is in Allaah's hand. The mother of Ismaa'eel thought her son was about to die, and she started to run from one mountain to the other, looking for a solution, and it came to her from a source she could never imagine when the angel came down and struck the ground, and out came the water of Zamzam with its healing for diseases of the heart and body. 27 - The pilgrim remembers that in doing these rituals he is the guest of the most Merciful. The gathering of Hajj is not at the invitation of any government or organization or king or president, rather it is the invitation of the Lord of the Worlds Who has made it an occasion on which the Muslims meet on a footing of equality in which no one is superior to anyone else. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj). That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade)" [al-Hajj 22:27-28] Al-Nasaa'i (2578) narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The guests of Allaah are three: the warrior for the sake of Allaah, the pilgrim performing Hajj and the pilgrim performing 'Umrah." Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa'i, 2464. 28 - Strengthening bonds with the believers, as represented in the words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Your blood, your honour and your wealth are sacred to you as this day of yours in this month of yours in this land of yours is sacred." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 65; Muslim, 3180. 29 - The season of Hajj is distinguished by complete separation from the people of shirk and kufr who are forbidden to attend any part of it. It is forbidden for them to enter the Haram at any time, no matter what their purpose. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe (in Allaah's Oneness and in His Messenger Muhammad)! Verily, the Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are Najasun (impure). So let them not come near Al‑Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah) after this year; and if you fear poverty, Allaah will enrich you if He wills, out of His Bounty. Surely, Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Wise" [al-Tawbah 9:28] Al-Bukhaari narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: "Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) sent me as an announcer on that Hajj [which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) appointed Abu Bakr to lead in 9 AH], to announce on the Day of Sacrifice in Mina that after this year no mushrik might perform Hajj and no one might circumambulate the House naked."
What about hajj?
Praise be to Allaah. We thank you for your question and appreciate your concern. We ask Allaah to bless those who perform Hajj with forgiveness of sins, and for those who have not done Hajj we ask Him to grant them what they hope for and save them from that which they fear. The aims and purposes of Hajj and great and sublime. There follows an outline of some of them: 1 - A sense of connection with the Prophets (peace be upon them) from our father Ibraaheem who built the House, to our Prophet Muhammad the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his respect for the sanctity of Makkah. When the pilgrim visits the sacred places and performs the rituals, he remembers the visist of those pure Prophets to this sacred place. Muslim (241) narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas said: We traveled with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) between Makkah and Madeenah, and we passed by a valley. He said, "What valley is this?" They said, "The valley of al-Azraq." He said, "It is as if I can see Moosa the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) putting his fingers in his ears beseeching Allaah, reciting the Talbiyah and passing through this valley." Then we traveled on until we came to a mountain pass. He said, "What mountain pass is this?" They said, "Harsha or Lift." He said, "It is as if I can see Yoonus on a red camel, wearing a woollen cloak, the reins of his camel made from fibres of date-palm, passing through this valley reciting the Talbiyah." 2 - The whiteness and cleanness of the pilgrims' clothes is a sign of inward purity, cleanness of heart and the purity of the message and the method. This means putting aside all adornment and showing humity, and it is a reminder of death when the deceased is shrouded in similar cloths. So it is as if he is preparing to meet Allaah. 3 - Entering ihraam from the meeqaat is a physical expression of worship and enslavement to Allaah, and of submission to His commands and laws. No one passes it (without entering ihraam) because it is a command from Allaah and a law that He has prescribed. This confirms the unity of the ummah and its following one system with nod differentiation or exemptions with regard to the definition of the meeqaats. 4 - Hajj is the symbol of Tawheed from the first moment the pilgrim enters ihraam. Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allaah said, describing the Hajj of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Then he started to say the words of Tawheed, '"Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd WA'l-ni'mata laka WA'l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner).'" Narrated by Muslim, 2137; see question no. 21617 5 - It is a reminder of the Hereafter when all the people come together in one place in 'Arafah and elsewhere, with no differentiation between them. All of them are equal in this place and no one is better than anyone else. 6 - Hajj is a symbol of unity, because Hajj makes all people the same in their clothing, deeds, rituals, qiblah and the places they visit. So no one is better than anyone else, king or slave, rich or poor, are all the same. So the people are equal in terms of rights and duties. They are equal in this sacred place, and differences in colour and nationality do not matter; no one has the right to differentiate between them. Unity of feelings, unity of rituals. Unity in purpose, unity in action. Unity in words. "People come from Adam, and Adam came from dust. No Arab is superior to a non-Arab and no white man is superior to a black man, except in terms of piety (taqwa)." More than two million Muslims all standing in one place, wearing the same clothes, sharing one aim, with one slogan, calling upon one Lord and following one Prophet… what unity can be greater than this? Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily, those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the path of Allaah, and from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haraam (at Makkah) which We have made (open) to (all) men, the dweller in it and the visitor from the country are equal there [as regards its sanctity and pilgrimage (Hajj and 'Umrah)] - and whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practise polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), him We shall cause to taste from a painful torment" [al-Hajj 22:25] 7 - It trains him to be content with modest clothing and accommodation, when he wears two pieces of cloth and it is sufficient for him, and his accommodation gives him just enough room to sleep. 8 - Terrifying the kaafirs and followers of misguidance with this huge gathering of Muslims. Even though they are scattered and different, the simple fact that they come together despite those differences at a certain time and in a certain place is indicative of their potential to unite at other times and in other places. 9 - Pointing out the importance of Muslims coming together and establishing harmony. For we see usually each person travelling on his own, whereas in Hajj we see people coming in groups. 10 - Getting to know the situation of the Muslims from trustworthy sources, since the Muslim can hear directly from his brother about the situation of his Muslim brothers in the land from which he has come. 11 -Exchanging benefits and experience among the Muslims in general. 12 - Meeting scholars and decision makers from all countries and studying the situation and needs of the Muslims, and the importance of cooperating with them. 13 - Achieving true submission to Allaah by standing in the holy places when the pilgrim leaves al-Masjid al-Haraam which is the best of spots, and standing in 'Arafah. 14 - Forgiveness of sins, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever does Hajj and does not speak any obscene words or commit any sin will go back cleansed of sin as on the day his mother bore him." 15 - Opening the doors of hope to those who commit sin, and teaching them to give up their sin in these holy places, so that they will give up a lot of their bad habits during the period of Hajj and its rituals. 16 - Proclaiming that Islam is the religion of organization, because during Hajj the rituals and time are organized, with every action done in the place and at the time defined for it. 17 - Training oneself to spend in charitable ways and to avoid miserliness. The pilgrim spends a great deal of money for the sake of Hajj, on travel expenses, on the road and in the sacred places. 18 - Increasing piety and making the heart fit to honour the Symbols of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allaah, then it is truly, from the piety of the hearts" [al-Hajj 22:32] 19 - Training the rich to give up their distinct clothing and accommodation and making them equal with the poor in clothing and in the rituals of tawaaf, saa'i and stoning the jamaraat. This teaches them to be humble and to realise the insignificance of this worldly life. 20 - The pilgrim persists in worshipping and remembering Allaah during the days of Hajj, moving from one sacred place to the next, from one action to another. This is a kind of intensive training in worship and remembrance of Allaah. 21 - Training oneself to be kind to people - so the pilgrim guides those who are lost, teaches those who are ignorant, helps the poor, and supports the disabled and weak. 22 - Developing good characteristics such as forbearance and putting up with annoyance from people, because the pilgrim will inevitably be exposed to crowding and arguments, etc. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj." [al-Baqarah 2:197] 23 - Training oneself to be patient and to put up with difficulties such as heat, long distances, being apart from one's family, going back and forth between the holy sites and crowded conditions therein. 24 - Learning to give up one's usual habits and the things that one is comfortable with, because the pilgrim has to uncover his head and give up his regular clothes, and leave behind the accommodation, food and drink that he is used to. 25 - When the pilgrim does saa'i between al-Safa and al-Marwah, he remembers that the one who obeys Allaah and puts his trust in Him and turns to Him, He will not let him down, rather He will raise high the esteem in which he is held. When Haajar the mother of Ismaa'eel (peace be upon them both) said to Ibraaheem, "Has Allaah commanded you to do this?" he said, "Yes." She said, "Then He will not let us down." So Allaah raised high the esteem in which she was held and the people, including the Prophets, started to run between the two hills as she had done. 26 - Teaching oneself not to despair of the mercy of Allaah, no matter how great one's worries and distress. For the way out is in Allaah's hand. The mother of Ismaa'eel thought her son was about to die, and she started to run from one mountain to the other, looking for a solution, and it came to her from a source she could never imagine when the angel came down and struck the ground, and out came the water of Zamzam with its healing for diseases of the heart and body. 27 - The pilgrim remembers that in doing these rituals he is the guest of the most Merciful. The gathering of Hajj is not at the invitation of any government or organization or king or president, rather it is the invitation of the Lord of the Worlds Who has made it an occasion on which the Muslims meet on a footing of equality in which no one is superior to anyone else. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj). That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade)" [al-Hajj 22:27-28] Al-Nasaa'i (2578) narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The guests of Allaah are three: the warrior for the sake of Allaah, the pilgrim performing Hajj and the pilgrim performing 'Umrah." Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa'i, 2464. 28 - Strengthening bonds with the believers, as represented in the words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Your blood, your honour and your wealth are sacred to you as this day of yours in this month of yours in this land of yours is sacred." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 65; Muslim, 3180. 29 - The season of Hajj is distinguished by complete separation from the people of shirk and kufr who are forbidden to attend any part of it. It is forbidden for them to enter the Haram at any time, no matter what their purpose. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe (in Allaah's Oneness and in His Messenger Muhammad)! Verily, the Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are Najasun (impure). So let them not come near Al‑Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah) after this year; and if you fear poverty, Allaah will enrich you if He wills, out of His Bounty. Surely, Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Wise" [al-Tawbah 9:28] Al-Bukhaari narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: "Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) sent me as an announcer on that Hajj [which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) appointed Abu Bakr to lead in 9 AH], to announce on the Day of Sacrifice in Mina that after this year no mushrik might perform Hajj and no one might turn around the House naked." And Allaah knows best. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
Why do people go to Hajj?
The aims and purposes of Hajj and great and sublime. There follows an outline of some of them: 1 - A sense of connection with the Prophets (peace be upon them) from our father Ibraaheem who built the House, to our Prophet Muhammad the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his respect for the sanctity of Makkah. When the pilgrim visits the sacred places and performs the rituals, he remembers the visist of those pure Prophets to this sacred place. Muslim (241) narrated that Ibn 'Abbaas said: We traveled with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) between Makkah and Madeenah, and we passed by a valley. He said, "What valley is this?" They said, "The valley of al-Azraq." He said, "It is as if I can see Moosa the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) putting his fingers in his ears beseeching Allaah, reciting the Talbiyah and passing through this valley." Then we traveled on until we came to a mountain pass. He said, "What mountain pass is this?" They said, "Harsha or Lift." He said, "It is as if I can see Yoonus on a red camel, wearing a woollen cloak, the reins of his camel made from fibres of date-palm, passing through this valley reciting the Talbiyah." 2 - The whiteness and cleanness of the pilgrims' clothes is a sign of inward purity, cleanness of heart and the purity of the message and the method. This means putting aside all adornment and showing humity, and it is a reminder of death when the deceased is shrouded in similar cloths. So it is as if he is preparing to meet Allaah. 3 - Entering ihraam from the meeqaat is a physical expression of worship and enslavement to Allaah, and of submission to His commands and laws. No one passes it (without entering ihraam) because it is a command from Allaah and a law that He has prescribed. This confirms the unity of the ummah and its following one system with nod differentiation or exemptions with regard to the definition of the meeqaats. 4 - Hajj is the symbol of Tawheed from the first moment the pilgrim enters ihraam. Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allaah said, describing the Hajj of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Then he started to say the words of Tawheed, '"Labbayka Allaahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-hamd WA'l-ni'mata laka WA'l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty, You have no partner).'" Narrated by Muslim, 2137; see question no. 21617 5 - It is a reminder of the Hereafter when all the people come together in one place in 'Arafah and elsewhere, with no differentiation between them. All of them are equal in this place and no one is better than anyone else. 6 - Hajj is a symbol of unity, because Hajj makes all people the same in their clothing, deeds, rituals, qiblah and the places they visit. So no one is better than anyone else, king or slave, rich or poor, are all the same. So the people are equal in terms of rights and duties. They are equal in this sacred place, and differences in colour and nationality do not matter; no one has the right to differentiate between them. Unity of feelings, unity of rituals. Unity in purpose, unity in action. Unity in words. "People come from Adam, and Adam came from dust. No Arab is superior to a non-Arab and no white man is superior to a black man, except in terms of piety (taqwa)." More than two million Muslims all standing in one place, wearing the same clothes, sharing one aim, with one slogan, calling upon one Lord and following one Prophet… what unity can be greater than this? Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily, those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the path of Allaah, and from Al‑Masjid Al‑Haraam (at Makkah) which We have made (open) to (all) men, the dweller in it and the visitor from the country are equal there [as regards its sanctity and pilgrimage (Hajj and 'Umrah)] - and whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practise polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), him We shall cause to taste from a painful torment" [al-Hajj 22:25] 7 - It trains him to be content with modest clothing and accommodation, when he wears two pieces of cloth and it is sufficient for him, and his accommodation gives him just enough room to sleep. 8 - Terrifying the kaafirs and followers of misguidance with this huge gathering of Muslims. Even though they are scattered and different, the simple fact that they come together despite those differences at a certain time and in a certain place is indicative of their potential to unite at other times and in other places. 9 - Pointing out the importance of Muslims coming together and establishing harmony. For we see usually each person travelling on his own, whereas in Hajj we see people coming in groups. 10 - Getting to know the situation of the Muslims from trustworthy sources, since the Muslim can hear directly from his brother about the situation of his Muslim brothers in the land from which he has come. 11 -Exchanging benefits and experience among the Muslims in general. 12 - Meeting scholars and decision makers from all countries and studying the situation and needs of the Muslims, and the importance of cooperating with them. 13 - Achieving true submission to Allaah by standing in the holy places when the pilgrim leaves al-Masjid al-Haraam which is the best of spots, and standing in 'Arafah. 14 - Forgiveness of sins, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever does Hajj and does not speak any obscene words or commit any sin will go back cleansed of sin as on the day his mother bore him." 15 - Opening the doors of hope to those who commit sin, and teaching them to give up their sin in these holy places, so that they will give up a lot of their bad habits during the period of Hajj and its rituals. 16 - Proclaiming that Islam is the religion of organization, because during Hajj the rituals and time are organized, with every action done in the place and at the time defined for it. 17 - Training oneself to spend in charitable ways and to avoid miserliness. The pilgrim spends a great deal of money for the sake of Hajj, on travel expenses, on the road and in the sacred places. 18 - Increasing piety and making the heart fit to honour the Symbols of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allaah, then it is truly, from the piety of the hearts" [al-Hajj 22:32] 19 - Training the rich to give up their distinct clothing and accommodation and making them equal with the poor in clothing and in the rituals of tawaaf, saa'i and stoning the jamaraat. This teaches them to be humble and to realise the insignificance of this worldly life. 20 - The pilgrim persists in worshipping and remembering Allaah during the days of Hajj, moving from one sacred place to the next, from one action to another. This is a kind of intensive training in worship and remembrance of Allaah. 21 - Training oneself to be kind to people - so the pilgrim guides those who are lost, teaches those who are ignorant, helps the poor, and supports the disabled and weak. 22 - Developing good characteristics such as forbearance and putting up with annoyance from people, because the pilgrim will inevitably be exposed to crowding and arguments, etc. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj." [al-Baqarah 2:197] 23 - Training oneself to be patient and to put up with difficulties such as heat, long distances, being apart from one's family, going back and forth between the holy sites and crowded conditions therein. 24 - Learning to give up one's usual habits and the things that one is comfortable with, because the pilgrim has to uncover his head and give up his regular clothes, and leave behind the accommodation, food and drink that he is used to. 25 - When the pilgrim does saa'i between al-Safa and al-Marwah, he remembers that the one who obeys Allaah and puts his trust in Him and turns to Him, He will not let him down, rather He will raise high the esteem in which he is held. When Haajar the mother of Ismaa'eel (peace be upon them both) said to Ibraaheem, "Has Allaah commanded you to do this?" he said, "Yes." She said, "Then He will not let us down." So Allaah raised high the esteem in which she was held and the people, including the Prophets, started to run between the two hills as she had done. 26 - Teaching oneself not to despair of the mercy of Allaah, no matter how great one's worries and distress. For the way out is in Allaah's hand. The mother of Ismaa'eel thought her son was about to die, and she started to run from one mountain to the other, looking for a solution, and it came to her from a source she could never imagine when the angel came down and struck the ground, and out came the water of Zamzam with its healing for diseases of the heart and body. 27 - The pilgrim remembers that in doing these rituals he is the guest of the most Merciful. The gathering of Hajj is not at the invitation of any government or organization or king or president, rather it is the invitation of the Lord of the Worlds Who has made it an occasion on which the Muslims meet on a footing of equality in which no one is superior to anyone else. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj). That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade)" [al-Hajj 22:27-28] Al-Nasaa'i (2578) narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The guests of Allaah are three: the warrior for the sake of Allaah, the pilgrim performing Hajj and the pilgrim performing 'Umrah." Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa'i, 2464. 28 - Strengthening bonds with the believers, as represented in the words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "Your blood, your honour and your wealth are sacred to you as this day of yours in this month of yours in this land of yours is sacred." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 65; Muslim, 3180. 29 - The season of Hajj is distinguished by complete separation from the people of shirk and kufr who are forbidden to attend any part of it. It is forbidden for them to enter the Haram at any time, no matter what their purpose. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe (in Allaah's Oneness and in His Messenger Muhammad)! Verily, the Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and in the Message of Muhammad) are Najasun (impure). So let them not come near Al‑Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah) after this year; and if you fear poverty, Allaah will enrich you if He wills, out of His Bounty. Surely, Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Wise" [al-Tawbah 9:28] Al-Bukhaari narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: "Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) sent me as an announcer on that Hajj [which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) appointed Abu Bakr to lead in 9 AH], to announce on the Day of Sacrifice in Mina that after this year no mushrik might perform Hajj and no one might circumambulate the House naked." And Allaah knows best. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhamamd and upon his family and companions Source: Islam Q & A : (http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/34778)
